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Fake Boyfriend #2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes.
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups. One night of drunken sex makes them question their whole friendship and what they’ve had right in front of them all along.
Best read after Trick Play in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
It’s Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
Max has been in love with his childhood best friend, Ash, for years. The reason he has kept it a secret is because Ash also happens to be Max’s brother’s ex-boyfriend. Complicated doesn’t begin to explain their relationship.
Best read after Deke in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
(Previously published in Heart2Heart volume 2. This story has been extended from the original and re-edited.)
Marty and Luce win a blind date through a charity raffle. Marty is young and vibrant. Luce is older and a little bit bitter. In one night, they manage to change the course of each other’s lives.
This is a prequel of Hat Trick in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups. One night of drunken sex makes them question their whole friendship and what they’ve had right in front of them all along.
Best read after Trick Play in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
It’s Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
Max has been in love with his childhood best friend, Ash, for years. The reason he has kept it a secret is because Ash also happens to be Max’s brother’s ex-boyfriend. Complicated doesn’t begin to explain their relationship.
Best read after Deke in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
(Previously published in Heart2Heart volume 2. This story has been extended from the original and re-edited.)
Marty and Luce win a blind date through a charity raffle. Marty is young and vibrant. Luce is older and a little bit bitter. In one night, they manage to change the course of each other’s lives.
This is a prequel of Hat Trick in the Fake Boyfriend universe.
308 pages, ebook
First published September 26, 2019
527 people are currently reading
1299 people want to read
About the author
Eden Finley
70 books7,825 followersEden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
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December 27, 2020Rebound – 4 stars
This was my third time reading this story, and it's my favourite in this collection. I really like Aron and Wyatt together. I know Wyatt wouldn't like me saying this, but he is so adorable. I only wish the story was longer and there was more of their relationship.
It's Complicated – 3.5 stars
For the most part I enjoyed this. Ash and Max are lovely together, I kind of wish they got together a lot sooner. I wasn't too happy about the situation with one secondary character, but other than that I liked the story. I also loved seeing Ollie and Lennon again.
Winning You – 3 stars maybe?
Not sure what to think about this story. On the one hand, it is well written, fun and has some lovely moments. On the other hand, it's too insta everything and too unrealistic. But what bothered me the most was how Jet was presented here. It's like he's not the same character from previous books and I wasn't happy with his situation in this one at all. Maybe I'm just too biased, he is one of my favourite characters in this series and I want only the best for him.
This was my third time reading this story, and it's my favourite in this collection. I really like Aron and Wyatt together. I know Wyatt wouldn't like me saying this, but he is so adorable. I only wish the story was longer and there was more of their relationship.
It's Complicated – 3.5 stars
For the most part I enjoyed this. Ash and Max are lovely together, I kind of wish they got together a lot sooner. I wasn't too happy about the situation with one secondary character, but other than that I liked the story. I also loved seeing Ollie and Lennon again.
Winning You – 3 stars maybe?
Not sure what to think about this story. On the one hand, it is well written, fun and has some lovely moments. On the other hand, it's too insta everything and too unrealistic. But what bothered me the most was how Jet was presented here. It's like he's not the same character from previous books and I wasn't happy with his situation in this one at all. Maybe I'm just too biased, he is one of my favourite characters in this series and I want only the best for him.
February 7, 2022
2.5 - SO CUTE🥰 their dynamic was everythingggg omg. // 3 stars
3.5 - not me crying at an ollie and lennon interaction!!! okay if only i was as in love with the other couples as i am with lennon and ollie. 🤭 i liked max and ash a lot and it was hot🔥 chapter 8 (the final chapter) genuinely had me going from laughing to crying to laughing to crying😅 SO PERFECT!!!!💕 // 3 stars
4.5 - this was the hottest one to me tbh!! 🔥 marty and luce started to sound the exact same pretty quickly in this one but i still enjoyed it! fun setting and very vivid. loved jet's cameo. funny too! // 3 stars
so i would say after reading all of these that 2.5 is my favorite! storyline & couple worked well for me. i just love wyatt & aron. 💜
3.5 - not me crying at an ollie and lennon interaction!!! okay if only i was as in love with the other couples as i am with lennon and ollie. 🤭 i liked max and ash a lot and it was hot🔥 chapter 8 (the final chapter) genuinely had me going from laughing to crying to laughing to crying😅 SO PERFECT!!!!💕 // 3 stars
4.5 - this was the hottest one to me tbh!! 🔥 marty and luce started to sound the exact same pretty quickly in this one but i still enjoyed it! fun setting and very vivid. loved jet's cameo. funny too! // 3 stars
so i would say after reading all of these that 2.5 is my favorite! storyline & couple worked well for me. i just love wyatt & aron. 💜
July 30, 2020
A sort of fill in the blanks with some secondary couples.
Rebound ⭐⭐
I wasn't overly invested in Aron and Wyatt from what I knew of them from the first two books but their story was okay.
It's Complicated ⭐⭐⭐
I did not like Ash (or Max really) in Deke, I think he was a shitty boyfriend to Ollie and kind of a terrible person for pushing him to come out. I could see that we were going to end up here though, Max's behaviour was pretty obvious. I didn't absolutely fall for them, and the whole thing with Ollie still rubs me the wrong way ('cause him and Lennon are my children now) but I was able to get out of my head and enjoy their story.
Winning You ⭐⭐⭐✨
Surprisingly enough, the story I enjoyed the most in this collection was the one centered around two brand new characters, as this is a prequel to Hat Trick, which is next on my list. I thought Marty and Luce had instant chemistry, and you know I enjoy having Jet on the page (even if he's going by Jay now). This is also the set up for Hat Trick, and I couldn't pass it up. I cannot wait to read Jet & Soren's story and I'm so sad they are the last new couple in this series :''(
Rebound ⭐⭐
I wasn't overly invested in Aron and Wyatt from what I knew of them from the first two books but their story was okay.
It's Complicated ⭐⭐⭐
I did not like Ash (or Max really) in Deke, I think he was a shitty boyfriend to Ollie and kind of a terrible person for pushing him to come out. I could see that we were going to end up here though, Max's behaviour was pretty obvious. I didn't absolutely fall for them, and the whole thing with Ollie still rubs me the wrong way ('cause him and Lennon are my children now) but I was able to get out of my head and enjoy their story.
Winning You ⭐⭐⭐✨
Surprisingly enough, the story I enjoyed the most in this collection was the one centered around two brand new characters, as this is a prequel to Hat Trick, which is next on my list. I thought Marty and Luce had instant chemistry, and you know I enjoy having Jet on the page (even if he's going by Jay now). This is also the set up for Hat Trick, and I couldn't pass it up. I cannot wait to read Jet & Soren's story and I'm so sad they are the last new couple in this series :''(
November 22, 2019
Fab set of shorts from the fake boyfriend world
I'd read one of these already but getting the other two stories in this collection was a delight.
I loved the expanded romance for Luce and Marty and the background to the relationship we already know about from Jet and Soren's book.
Also Ash and Max's romance made me all heart happy.
I'd read one of these already but getting the other two stories in this collection was a delight.
I loved the expanded romance for Luce and Marty and the background to the relationship we already know about from Jet and Soren's book.
Also Ash and Max's romance made me all heart happy.
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars overall!! 😍💕 Loved these shorts..😍Was good to see these supporting characters find their very own HEA.. 💞
Rebound – 4 stars!! 😍
Loved Aron and Wyatt and how they started seeing each other as more than "just friends". It seemed very realistic on how friends can be afraid of starting something together when they are afraid of the repercussions of a break-up.. but Aron proved to be pretty amazing, their chemistry was off the charts and the wit and humor between them was simply perfect. 💞 💝. 👍👍 Loved their HEA 🤩
It's Complicated – 3.5 stars!😁
The story was likable for sure but too unrealistic and complicated🙄. Nevertheless, Max and Ash were indeed very sweet characters... in-love since childhood but in denial for a very long time. And even when they do find out about their long-held feelings for each other, Ash's past relationship with Ollie (Max's brother) brings both awkwardness and weirdness into the scenario😬. The welcoming support from the family, the passion between the two and the fact that Max and Ash with Ollie and Lennon find the humor in their awkward situation felt relatable somehow and made up for the plot issues. It ends making you feel that Max and Ash's HEA was a long time coming. 💞😍
Winning You – 3 stars! 😳
The story was just ok for me.. I didn't really connect with Marty or Luce and felt that their whole relationship was too quick and became serious too soon. The whole inserting of Jet's band into the story seemed contrived. How long can such a relationship survive? It was just hard to imagine what Luce and Marty had in common besides physical chemistry..🤔 It was however, well-written with lots of insights into Jet/Jay's life as the lead in his rock band. I'm now even more curious to read his story😳😍
Rebound – 4 stars!! 😍
Loved Aron and Wyatt and how they started seeing each other as more than "just friends". It seemed very realistic on how friends can be afraid of starting something together when they are afraid of the repercussions of a break-up.. but Aron proved to be pretty amazing, their chemistry was off the charts and the wit and humor between them was simply perfect. 💞 💝. 👍👍 Loved their HEA 🤩
It's Complicated – 3.5 stars!😁
The story was likable for sure but too unrealistic and complicated🙄. Nevertheless, Max and Ash were indeed very sweet characters... in-love since childhood but in denial for a very long time. And even when they do find out about their long-held feelings for each other, Ash's past relationship with Ollie (Max's brother) brings both awkwardness and weirdness into the scenario😬. The welcoming support from the family, the passion between the two and the fact that Max and Ash with Ollie and Lennon find the humor in their awkward situation felt relatable somehow and made up for the plot issues. It ends making you feel that Max and Ash's HEA was a long time coming. 💞😍
Winning You – 3 stars! 😳
The story was just ok for me.. I didn't really connect with Marty or Luce and felt that their whole relationship was too quick and became serious too soon. The whole inserting of Jet's band into the story seemed contrived. How long can such a relationship survive? It was just hard to imagine what Luce and Marty had in common besides physical chemistry..🤔 It was however, well-written with lots of insights into Jet/Jay's life as the lead in his rock band. I'm now even more curious to read his story😳😍
October 1, 2019
Favorite Secondary Characters Get Their Sweet & Swoony HEA
I am nutty about Eden Finley world building around her Fake Boy Friends Series . It's layered , addictive and full of a cast of likeable and hot secondary characters and in Fake Boyfriend Breakaways she give us , their stories.
I am nutty about Eden Finley world building around her Fake Boy Friends Series . It's layered , addictive and full of a cast of likeable and hot secondary characters and in Fake Boyfriend Breakaways she give us , their stories.
Rebound: Aron and Wyatt~Fake Boyfriends 2.5
I loved reading Aron and Wyatt, sweet and sexy friends to lovers story. I also love, reading about how Noah and Aron friendship got back in solid ground.
It's Complicated: Max and Ash~Fake Boyfriends 3.5
I fell for Max , when he was introduced as Ollie's brother and couldn't wait to read his and Ash Story. I wasn't disappointed, it's sexy and funny.
Winning You: Marty and Luce ~Fake Boyfriends 4.5
Marty and Luce's story is all about snarky banter ,UST and humor . And of course , lots steamy sexy times. It was non stop laughter story for me.
It was entertaining and satisfying reading all these short stories.
Advance copy provided by Les Court Services in exchange for a honest review.
November 14, 2019
Shorts
This is a collection of stories set in the Fake Boyfriend series.
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
3.5 stars I read this previously and my rating remains the same. My review for that can be found on the shorts individual release.
It's Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
3.5 stars
This story takes place after Ollie and Lennon's. It involves Ollie's ex, Ash, and Ollie's brother Max.
The two have been best friends since the age of 5. Ash has always thought Max, his "straight" best friend, was off limits even though, he has been in love with him since he was 11, he has accepted them to just be friends forever. However, he catches Max his not so straight best friend with another man and his world is turned upside down.
Turns out Max has been in love with Ash since college. However, life and timing has always gone wrong for them to be together. Now that they have a chance the whole Ollie situation may stop them from ever being. They have to get past that hurdle before becoming a couple.
Overall, a decent read. Makes it more understandable why Max was always so protective if Ash.
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
2.5 stars
This takes place before book 5 and involves Luce and Marty. If you read book 5 you know Luce is Radioactive's manager. This story tells you how he became the manager and how a raffle won him the date of a lifetime.
This is a collection of stories set in the Fake Boyfriend series.
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
3.5 stars I read this previously and my rating remains the same. My review for that can be found on the shorts individual release.
It's Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
3.5 stars
This story takes place after Ollie and Lennon's. It involves Ollie's ex, Ash, and Ollie's brother Max.
The two have been best friends since the age of 5. Ash has always thought Max, his "straight" best friend, was off limits even though, he has been in love with him since he was 11, he has accepted them to just be friends forever. However, he catches Max his not so straight best friend with another man and his world is turned upside down.
Turns out Max has been in love with Ash since college. However, life and timing has always gone wrong for them to be together. Now that they have a chance the whole Ollie situation may stop them from ever being. They have to get past that hurdle before becoming a couple.
Overall, a decent read. Makes it more understandable why Max was always so protective if Ash.
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
2.5 stars
This takes place before book 5 and involves Luce and Marty. If you read book 5 you know Luce is Radioactive's manager. This story tells you how he became the manager and how a raffle won him the date of a lifetime.
November 9, 2019
Already read Fake Boyfriend #2.5 and reviewed it awhile back.
4.5 stars for Fake Boyfriend #3.5
I really enjoyed this one. It focuses on Ash, who is Ollie's - from Book 3 - ex-boyfriend and Max, Ollie's brother and best friend to Ash.
I think this book did a solid job of giving Ash and Max's background and setting up their love to be believable in such a short amount of time.
I liked reading Ash and Max navigating the waters of dealing with Ollie and finally starting a relationship and dealing with all that. Overall a very good story, and I enjoyed these two together and I felt the chemistry between them - although I wish the sex had been written a little better with a little more passion. It was over too quickly in my opinion. Overall though, good story.
4 stars for Fake Boyfriend #4.5
Overall this was a good story. I'm not sure how it's a prequel to the next book and where it exactly fits in in this series, but guess we'll see? Anyway, Marty is a smart, young looking nerdy guy currently getting his phd and puts his name in a Heart2Heart charity raffle to try to get tickets to see his favorite band, Radioactive, but it comes with a blind date with Luce, an older guy who gives as good as he gets.
They hit it off practically right away. Although Luce turns out to be a middle man at a big record label and he set up and put together the festival they go to. He has his own reasons for being in the raffle to get to go to the festival.
I liked Marty and Luce's chemistry, and I enjoyed their scenes together. They were cute. I did feel this dragged out a little longer than it needed to - saying something considering it's already fairly short, but it wasn't as short as I was expecting and just when I thought it would be done soon, it wasn't. It just got to be a bit much, even though I ultimately ended up enjoying the whole story - although even though it's longer, it kind of skips over the bulk of Marty and Luce's relationship. It shows the very beginning, but it skips over them being together longer, which I would have liked to have seen if it was gonna be as long as it was.
Overall though, a good fun story to round out these short stories. I can't wait for the 5th installment of this series and Jet's love story.
I would recommend these short stories, for sure, for anyone who has enjoyed this series. Overall they're great add ons. Two thumbs up for these stories.
4.5 stars for Fake Boyfriend #3.5
I really enjoyed this one. It focuses on Ash, who is Ollie's - from Book 3 - ex-boyfriend and Max, Ollie's brother and best friend to Ash.
I think this book did a solid job of giving Ash and Max's background and setting up their love to be believable in such a short amount of time.
I liked reading Ash and Max navigating the waters of dealing with Ollie and finally starting a relationship and dealing with all that. Overall a very good story, and I enjoyed these two together and I felt the chemistry between them - although I wish the sex had been written a little better with a little more passion. It was over too quickly in my opinion. Overall though, good story.
4 stars for Fake Boyfriend #4.5
Overall this was a good story. I'm not sure how it's a prequel to the next book and where it exactly fits in in this series, but guess we'll see? Anyway, Marty is a smart, young looking nerdy guy currently getting his phd and puts his name in a Heart2Heart charity raffle to try to get tickets to see his favorite band, Radioactive, but it comes with a blind date with Luce, an older guy who gives as good as he gets.
They hit it off practically right away. Although Luce turns out to be a middle man at a big record label and he set up and put together the festival they go to. He has his own reasons for being in the raffle to get to go to the festival.
I liked Marty and Luce's chemistry, and I enjoyed their scenes together. They were cute. I did feel this dragged out a little longer than it needed to - saying something considering it's already fairly short, but it wasn't as short as I was expecting and just when I thought it would be done soon, it wasn't. It just got to be a bit much, even though I ultimately ended up enjoying the whole story - although even though it's longer, it kind of skips over the bulk of Marty and Luce's relationship. It shows the very beginning, but it skips over them being together longer, which I would have liked to have seen if it was gonna be as long as it was.
Overall though, a good fun story to round out these short stories. I can't wait for the 5th installment of this series and Jet's love story.
I would recommend these short stories, for sure, for anyone who has enjoyed this series. Overall they're great add ons. Two thumbs up for these stories.
December 10, 2019
Overall 4.5 stars
Fake boyfriend
Rebound
Aaron and Wyatt
When Noah breaks up with Aaron a bottle is what Aaron wants.
Wyatt his friend comes over to comfort him.
They are friends forever and now they hot for each other. They have a delicious night together.
Wyatt has feelings for Aaron and is a bit afraid for the consequences. Little does he know Aaron has feelings too.
Delicious short friends to lovers story. A fast paced love read. The whole scene was kind and friendly. Hot moments, endearing moments, and lovely personalities makes this a great read!
It’s Complicated
Max and Ash
Ash is in love with Max from when they were young. Max was in love with a girl, this gave Ash a lot of heartache, but they are friends forever.
They are companions owning a tattoo shop. Ash relationship with Max’s brother Ollie breaks after four years, now he has Taylor and Max doesn’t know how the tell Ash he isn’t as straight as Ash thinks. He wanted Ash only the right time was never there and now with Taylor, Max thinks maybe he just have to look further.
Ash wants to be happy with Taylor right? Right! Until he runs into Max with Jordan making out! Ash knows he has still strong feelings for his best friend.
It’s getting complicated, really complicated!
I loved this story hard. It’s not only about Max and Ash, it much more. There are family and friends involved. Feelings that can’t be denied. Brothers who had/wants a relationship with one and the same man. Friendship at breaking point. Wonderfully written story. Emotional and lovely personalities. Again fast paced written story. With mature characters.
Wonderful story!
Winning You
Luce and Marty
Through a blind date they meet. Two opposites a young vibrant guy and an older somewhat grumpy one. A bad idea or the best? It sparkles and they are just perfect for each other.
Another lovely, sexy read in the fake boyfriend series.
Enough developed to get totally involved with both men. Music, a band, a crush for a member, good management, a tour, and taking a claim. Enough of everything to make this a at times heartbreaking and heartwarming story, with humor, sexiness and love. I thing... I hate separation ! So you know :)
It was engagingly written, with diverse personalities and great environments.
Fake boyfriend
Rebound
Aaron and Wyatt
When Noah breaks up with Aaron a bottle is what Aaron wants.
Wyatt his friend comes over to comfort him.
They are friends forever and now they hot for each other. They have a delicious night together.
Wyatt has feelings for Aaron and is a bit afraid for the consequences. Little does he know Aaron has feelings too.
Delicious short friends to lovers story. A fast paced love read. The whole scene was kind and friendly. Hot moments, endearing moments, and lovely personalities makes this a great read!
It’s Complicated
Max and Ash
Ash is in love with Max from when they were young. Max was in love with a girl, this gave Ash a lot of heartache, but they are friends forever.
They are companions owning a tattoo shop. Ash relationship with Max’s brother Ollie breaks after four years, now he has Taylor and Max doesn’t know how the tell Ash he isn’t as straight as Ash thinks. He wanted Ash only the right time was never there and now with Taylor, Max thinks maybe he just have to look further.
Ash wants to be happy with Taylor right? Right! Until he runs into Max with Jordan making out! Ash knows he has still strong feelings for his best friend.
It’s getting complicated, really complicated!
I loved this story hard. It’s not only about Max and Ash, it much more. There are family and friends involved. Feelings that can’t be denied. Brothers who had/wants a relationship with one and the same man. Friendship at breaking point. Wonderfully written story. Emotional and lovely personalities. Again fast paced written story. With mature characters.
Wonderful story!
Winning You
Luce and Marty
Through a blind date they meet. Two opposites a young vibrant guy and an older somewhat grumpy one. A bad idea or the best? It sparkles and they are just perfect for each other.
Another lovely, sexy read in the fake boyfriend series.
Enough developed to get totally involved with both men. Music, a band, a crush for a member, good management, a tour, and taking a claim. Enough of everything to make this a at times heartbreaking and heartwarming story, with humor, sexiness and love. I thing... I hate separation ! So you know :)
It was engagingly written, with diverse personalities and great environments.
September 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐ / Eden Finley delivers a charming group of novellas that flesh out her world, with It’s Complicated and Rebound feeling especially strong, though Winning You missed the mark.
October 22, 2019
This is a collection of three short stories and I’m glad it exists because I’ve been waiting for the next book in this series for way too long and it’s still more than a month and a half away.
Aron and Wyatt’s story is something I had already read before but I didn’t mind getting a refresher. But I was never a fan of either of the characters due to the way they treated Noah in book 2, so I was okay with this story but didn’t feel attached to it much.
It’s finally good to see Ash and Max together because it was really obvious in Deke. Their story was definitely very emotional and made me weep, but the Stromberg family was always on hand with their inappropriate jokes to lighten up the mood. However, I was mostly just very happy to get another glimpse of Ollie and Lennon because I really love them so much.
Marty and Luce’s story was interesting, very sweet and adorable with a bit of angst and I really enjoyed it. It actually took me a while to realize that the lead singer Jay of band Radioactive is actually Jet and then I couldn’t believe that I didn’t recognize the smartass. However, it only makes the wait for Hat Trick more excruciating and I just want his book in my hands already 😭😭
While this was a lovely collection of stories, it just made me miss all my favorite characters from the series and am now eagerly waiting for Hat Trick as well as the short stories that Eden has promised for all the couples 😍😍
Aron and Wyatt’s story is something I had already read before but I didn’t mind getting a refresher. But I was never a fan of either of the characters due to the way they treated Noah in book 2, so I was okay with this story but didn’t feel attached to it much.
It’s finally good to see Ash and Max together because it was really obvious in Deke. Their story was definitely very emotional and made me weep, but the Stromberg family was always on hand with their inappropriate jokes to lighten up the mood. However, I was mostly just very happy to get another glimpse of Ollie and Lennon because I really love them so much.
Marty and Luce’s story was interesting, very sweet and adorable with a bit of angst and I really enjoyed it. It actually took me a while to realize that the lead singer Jay of band Radioactive is actually Jet and then I couldn’t believe that I didn’t recognize the smartass. However, it only makes the wait for Hat Trick more excruciating and I just want his book in my hands already 😭😭
While this was a lovely collection of stories, it just made me miss all my favorite characters from the series and am now eagerly waiting for Hat Trick as well as the short stories that Eden has promised for all the couples 😍😍
January 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Rebound: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Aron and Wyatt were cute, and I'm glad Aron got over the hurt caused by Noah, but I just wasn't super invested in their story.
It's Complicated: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly I felt so bad for Ash after the whole going back into the closet for Ollie, then breaking up, and then having Ollie come out publicly later on... It definitely had to have sucked being in his position, but things worked out the way they were supposed to and Ash ended up with the right Stromberg, Max!
Winning You: ⭐️⭐️
Honestly, I can’t even really tell you what happened except Jay was there 🤣
Rebound: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Aron and Wyatt were cute, and I'm glad Aron got over the hurt caused by Noah, but I just wasn't super invested in their story.
It's Complicated: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly I felt so bad for Ash after the whole going back into the closet for Ollie, then breaking up, and then having Ollie come out publicly later on... It definitely had to have sucked being in his position, but things worked out the way they were supposed to and Ash ended up with the right Stromberg, Max!
Winning You: ⭐️⭐️
Honestly, I can’t even really tell you what happened except Jay was there 🤣
June 27, 2024
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 5 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Short stories compilation
Steam: 5 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Short stories compilation
November 11, 2019
Once, I started reading this, I realized that I had read the first story, Rebound, and the last story, Winning You, already. The middle story, It's Complicated, was new to me. I decided to read them all again and I just want to review them separately.
Rebound: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this story about friends to lovers after Aron and Wyatt had breakups. They were sweet together and it was well-written and hot for a short story which I don't seem to have much luck with because I'm often left feeling wanting.
It's Complicated: 3.25 stars
I don't know about this one. I had high expectations for it but even though the 2 MCs claimed to have been in love with each other for many years, I just didn't really feel the connection. It could have been the fact that it was a short story because Eden Finley rarely disappoints.
Winning You: 3.75 stars
Well, I am glad I read this story because it was an expanded version of the original from the Heart2heart Charity Anthology. Funny thing about this one was that I felt that there was more of a connection/spark between Marty and Luce from this story than the guys from It's Complicated. However, I wouldn't think their relationship would be sustainable IRL because Marty worked so hard to get his PhD no matter how in love they are. I could be wrong though.
Jay, who is Jet the MC from the newest book Hat Trick, is a little bit of a turd here but I don't know anything else about his personality yet since I haven't read his book yet.
Rebound: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this story about friends to lovers after Aron and Wyatt had breakups. They were sweet together and it was well-written and hot for a short story which I don't seem to have much luck with because I'm often left feeling wanting.
It's Complicated: 3.25 stars
I don't know about this one. I had high expectations for it but even though the 2 MCs claimed to have been in love with each other for many years, I just didn't really feel the connection. It could have been the fact that it was a short story because Eden Finley rarely disappoints.
Winning You: 3.75 stars
Well, I am glad I read this story because it was an expanded version of the original from the Heart2heart Charity Anthology. Funny thing about this one was that I felt that there was more of a connection/spark between Marty and Luce from this story than the guys from It's Complicated. However, I wouldn't think their relationship would be sustainable IRL because Marty worked so hard to get his PhD no matter how in love they are. I could be wrong though.
Jay, who is Jet the MC from the newest book Hat Trick, is a little bit of a turd here but I don't know anything else about his personality yet since I haven't read his book yet.
Read
October 7, 20193.5. Algo irregular, aunque le pondré 4 estrellas porque forma parte de una serie que me está gustando mucho. Me ha encantado la primera historia, algo menos la segundo y psé la tercera.
June 15, 2020
Rebound - 3 Stars
Previously read as a standalone short in November 2018 and I literally don't remember anything about it - sorry!
Complicated - 4 Stars
I am such a sucker for a best friends become lovers trope (especially when they have been pining for each other FOREVER and there's a seriously huge obstacle in the way - it makes the HEA that much sweeter).
I think the unofficially declaring the intentions before officially declaring the intentions wasn't necessary, but whatevs. It was still pretty good.
Winning You - 3 Stars
Liked this extended version, which gave more time for Marty & Luce to grow on us, than I did the original in the H2H antho.
Previously read as a standalone short in November 2018 and I literally don't remember anything about it - sorry!
Complicated - 4 Stars
I am such a sucker for a best friends become lovers trope (especially when they have been pining for each other FOREVER and there's a seriously huge obstacle in the way - it makes the HEA that much sweeter).
I think the unofficially declaring the intentions before officially declaring the intentions wasn't necessary, but whatevs. It was still pretty good.
Winning You - 3 Stars
Liked this extended version, which gave more time for Marty & Luce to grow on us, than I did the original in the H2H antho.
May 7, 2024
5⭐️ for Luce & Marty, but the other two short stories were not it
July 10, 2021
3.5 stars
November 11, 2019
2.5 I read when it was originally released prior reviewed
story 3.5 - 2 STARS
So let me start with I LOVE this whole series, so much so I just did my re-read for Jet’s book. He was THE One I have been waiting for. I adore Ollie & Lennon. Re-reading their story just recently I again wanted to know what was up with Max and was so excited to read about him. It just irritated at me while reading.
• First in Deke I couldn’t stand Ash, this book made me loathe him. I found him selfish & self centered. He became engaged to someone basically for convenience and although the other guy was and asshole - so was Ash. All of Ollie’s family felt really badly I the prior book and apologized to him for their for not being understanding of his life, all except him. I just felt like he’s all about him. Even with Max.
• I didn’t want to read about Ollie’s current feelings for Ash while he is with Lennon, yes they were together for some time I just don’t want to read it.
• I did like Max, but felt the whole plot line was thin, if he felt that strongly he should have done something before
STORY 4.5 - 4 SATRS
Marty & Luce - this one was cute and had Jet in it so yea!!! Although I am not a huge insta-love fan this one worked for me. I just wanted more Jet now.
story 3.5 - 2 STARS
So let me start with I LOVE this whole series, so much so I just did my re-read for Jet’s book. He was THE One I have been waiting for. I adore Ollie & Lennon. Re-reading their story just recently I again wanted to know what was up with Max and was so excited to read about him. It just irritated at me while reading.
• First in Deke I couldn’t stand Ash, this book made me loathe him. I found him selfish & self centered. He became engaged to someone basically for convenience and although the other guy was and asshole - so was Ash. All of Ollie’s family felt really badly I the prior book and apologized to him for their for not being understanding of his life, all except him. I just felt like he’s all about him. Even with Max.
• I didn’t want to read about Ollie’s current feelings for Ash while he is with Lennon, yes they were together for some time I just don’t want to read it.
• I did like Max, but felt the whole plot line was thin, if he felt that strongly he should have done something before
STORY 4.5 - 4 SATRS
Marty & Luce - this one was cute and had Jet in it so yea!!! Although I am not a huge insta-love fan this one worked for me. I just wanted more Jet now.
October 4, 2020
Aron and Wyatt.
Ash and Max.
Marty and Luce.
A collection of three great short stories about 6 amazing side characters.
Two of them are friends to lovers stories and one is blind date to HEA.
All of them are perfect.
Ash and Max.
Marty and Luce.
A collection of three great short stories about 6 amazing side characters.
Two of them are friends to lovers stories and one is blind date to HEA.
All of them are perfect.
June 10, 2021
I have to read Rebound and Wining you yet but I loved Ash and Max story. ASH AND MAX FFS!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
So, yeah, I needed to read It’s Complicated first, like NEEDED, and I’ll come back when I go through the other two shorts.
Wonderful series.
So, yeah, I needed to read It’s Complicated first, like NEEDED, and I’ll come back when I go through the other two shorts.
Wonderful series.
September 26, 2019
***Now Available!!!***
Oh how I’ve missed the Fake Boyfriend universe! This book contains three yummy novellas from that world. I guess technically you could read them without reading the rest of the series, but I don’t recommend it. None of these stories have a fake boyfriend trope but the characters are tied in with the guys in the main books.
Book One: Aron and Wyatt’s story was previously released through a Prolific Works giveaway. I read it then. Very sweet friends to lovers. After seeing Aron get his heart smashed by Noah in Noah’s book, it was sweet to watch him find love with adorable Wyatt. 🥰
Book Two: Max and Ash were characters in Ollie’s book. Max is Ollie’s brother and Ash is Ollie’s ex. I had been dying for their story since Ollie’s book and this did not disappoint! All the feels and swoons for Max and Ash! 😍
Book Three: Marty and Luce’s story was released previously in the Heart2Heart anthology. I didn’t get a chance to read it then. This pair was full of reluctant flirting and lots of snark. The two were so funny and perfect together. Winning a pair of tickets to a concert puts them on a date together that neither is very interested in. (A date to a concert with a certain someone featured in the next Fake Boyfriend book perhaps? 😉) Naturally, sparks fly. Big thumbs up for Marty and Luce. (Don’t call him Lucifer!)
Oh how I’ve missed the Fake Boyfriend universe! This book contains three yummy novellas from that world. I guess technically you could read them without reading the rest of the series, but I don’t recommend it. None of these stories have a fake boyfriend trope but the characters are tied in with the guys in the main books.
Book One: Aron and Wyatt’s story was previously released through a Prolific Works giveaway. I read it then. Very sweet friends to lovers. After seeing Aron get his heart smashed by Noah in Noah’s book, it was sweet to watch him find love with adorable Wyatt. 🥰
Book Two: Max and Ash were characters in Ollie’s book. Max is Ollie’s brother and Ash is Ollie’s ex. I had been dying for their story since Ollie’s book and this did not disappoint! All the feels and swoons for Max and Ash! 😍
Book Three: Marty and Luce’s story was released previously in the Heart2Heart anthology. I didn’t get a chance to read it then. This pair was full of reluctant flirting and lots of snark. The two were so funny and perfect together. Winning a pair of tickets to a concert puts them on a date together that neither is very interested in. (A date to a concert with a certain someone featured in the next Fake Boyfriend book perhaps? 😉) Naturally, sparks fly. Big thumbs up for Marty and Luce. (Don’t call him Lucifer!)
November 11, 2019
Meh. I only liked the third story with Luce and Marty.
November 19, 2022
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways: Short Story Collection
I misinterpreted the title of this short story collection, it thought it was about brief vacations. It is so much more and better. The “Breakaways” are the ex-boyfriends of some of the Main Characters in the “Fake Boyfriend” series. Except for one which is about the Manager of the Band “Radioactive”. There are three “Breakaways”.
REBOUND - Wyatt & Aron
Aron was a friend with benefits of Noah in Matt & Noah’s story in Fake Boyfriends. Noah called a stop because Aron wanted more and Noah didn’t do relationships. A while later Noah proclaimed in social media that his boyfriend was Matt.
Aron meets up with one of their old groups of friends Wyatt who also featured in Noah’s Fake story. After an evening of drinking with Wyatt and visiting a Gay bar, something sparks between them. Wyatt admits later to have harboured a crush on Aron since High School.
ITS COMPLICATED - Max & Ash
Ash had grown up next door to Max and his five brothers since kindergarten. They were best friends and even shared their dorm in College. Later, they worked together as partners in a Tattooing Parlour. Always supporting each other. Ash has always loved Max but Max is straight. Ollie, Max’s younger brother always followed Ash around when they were kids.
When Ash finally realised Max would never be with him he gave up. Ollie showed great interest in Ash and they became boyfriends, secretly, because as an Ice Hockey player, he hid his sexuality, and wasn’t coming out of the closet. After a couple of years Aron left Ollie because he wouldn’t “come out”.
Later Ash became engaged to Taylor a wealthy businessman. In the meantime, Max, Ollie’s eldest brother, realises he is bisexual and accepts that he has always had “feelings” for Ash, but he can’t do anything about them because of the “bro code”. That’s why It’s Complicated.
WINNING YOU - Luce & Marty
These guys were definitely side characters in the Fake Boyfriend story of Jett & Soren. This tells the story of how Luce 33, an Australian Music Industry Exec in Melbourne became the new Manager of Jett’s band, Radioactive. Jett and the band were fed up of their American manager Wayne who was inappropriate in his behaviour to Jett, among other faults.
At a performance in Melbourne which Luce attends as an Exec of the Music company, he meets Marty a 23 year old Science Student, who is determined to meet his fanboy crush Jett, of Radioactive.
Through a series of fateful events that night, both Luce and Marty end up in USA as new Management of the band, hoping it will lead to something more for their blossoming relationship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed reading more about the ex boyfriends of the MC’s in the Fake Boyfriends series. Getting more details of the why’s of broken relationship in each case and how the finally find their “own forever person”.
With Luce and Marty we didn’t know much about before as they were background players in the relevant story, neither of them being the ex of the Main Characters. So, I found their own tale more interesting here, there was great banter and snarky comments between Luce and Marty, especially Marty who has no filter apparently. Hilarious at times.
I think I have a really soft spot for the Fake Boyfriend trope and I wish there was still more of this series in the pipeline from Eden Finley.
I misinterpreted the title of this short story collection, it thought it was about brief vacations. It is so much more and better. The “Breakaways” are the ex-boyfriends of some of the Main Characters in the “Fake Boyfriend” series. Except for one which is about the Manager of the Band “Radioactive”. There are three “Breakaways”.
REBOUND - Wyatt & Aron
Aron was a friend with benefits of Noah in Matt & Noah’s story in Fake Boyfriends. Noah called a stop because Aron wanted more and Noah didn’t do relationships. A while later Noah proclaimed in social media that his boyfriend was Matt.
Aron meets up with one of their old groups of friends Wyatt who also featured in Noah’s Fake story. After an evening of drinking with Wyatt and visiting a Gay bar, something sparks between them. Wyatt admits later to have harboured a crush on Aron since High School.
ITS COMPLICATED - Max & Ash
Ash had grown up next door to Max and his five brothers since kindergarten. They were best friends and even shared their dorm in College. Later, they worked together as partners in a Tattooing Parlour. Always supporting each other. Ash has always loved Max but Max is straight. Ollie, Max’s younger brother always followed Ash around when they were kids.
When Ash finally realised Max would never be with him he gave up. Ollie showed great interest in Ash and they became boyfriends, secretly, because as an Ice Hockey player, he hid his sexuality, and wasn’t coming out of the closet. After a couple of years Aron left Ollie because he wouldn’t “come out”.
Later Ash became engaged to Taylor a wealthy businessman. In the meantime, Max, Ollie’s eldest brother, realises he is bisexual and accepts that he has always had “feelings” for Ash, but he can’t do anything about them because of the “bro code”. That’s why It’s Complicated.
WINNING YOU - Luce & Marty
These guys were definitely side characters in the Fake Boyfriend story of Jett & Soren. This tells the story of how Luce 33, an Australian Music Industry Exec in Melbourne became the new Manager of Jett’s band, Radioactive. Jett and the band were fed up of their American manager Wayne who was inappropriate in his behaviour to Jett, among other faults.
At a performance in Melbourne which Luce attends as an Exec of the Music company, he meets Marty a 23 year old Science Student, who is determined to meet his fanboy crush Jett, of Radioactive.
Through a series of fateful events that night, both Luce and Marty end up in USA as new Management of the band, hoping it will lead to something more for their blossoming relationship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed reading more about the ex boyfriends of the MC’s in the Fake Boyfriends series. Getting more details of the why’s of broken relationship in each case and how the finally find their “own forever person”.
With Luce and Marty we didn’t know much about before as they were background players in the relevant story, neither of them being the ex of the Main Characters. So, I found their own tale more interesting here, there was great banter and snarky comments between Luce and Marty, especially Marty who has no filter apparently. Hilarious at times.
I think I have a really soft spot for the Fake Boyfriend trope and I wish there was still more of this series in the pipeline from Eden Finley.
July 10, 2023
This collection of novellas was exactly what I needed for some of the side characters 🤩, and the last one was a hilarious bonus.
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
Aron and Wyatt
We do know Aron because he is Damon's ex-bf from Fake Out.
It’s Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
Max and Ahs.
Oh, how much I needed this one, I knew there was something more going on between them. Max is Ollie's brother from Deke
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
Marty and Luce (the manager of Radioactive from Hat Trick)
Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)
Aron and Wyatt
We do know Aron because he is Damon's ex-bf from Fake Out.
It’s Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)
Max and Ahs.
Oh, how much I needed this one, I knew there was something more going on between them. Max is Ollie's brother from Deke
Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)
Marty and Luce (the manager of Radioactive from Hat Trick)
July 2, 2025
Ahh I loved these novellas and getting a little snippet of these characters!
Rebound - 4 stars. I’m a sucker for a cute friends to lovers.
It’s complicated - 4 stars.
Honestly I love the Strömberg family. I wish I could hang out with them. Plus, friends to lovers, so cute.
Winning you - 4 stars.
I loved the banter between Luce and Marty from the start. These two were adorable, loved getting their story.
Rebound - 4 stars. I’m a sucker for a cute friends to lovers.
It’s complicated - 4 stars.
Honestly I love the Strömberg family. I wish I could hang out with them. Plus, friends to lovers, so cute.
Winning you - 4 stars.
I loved the banter between Luce and Marty from the start. These two were adorable, loved getting their story.
March 7, 2024
2.5
overall lacked substance.
overall lacked substance.
May 2, 2020
I only read Ash and Max. I might read the others someday
April 30, 2020
I read these in the midst of reading the other books in the series, since they’re short side stories belonging to the main books. Here’s a review for each of the novella’s:
Rebound:
I liked Aron and Wyatt. They were both fun characters and honestly just tried their best. What more can you want?
Surely it’s reasonable that one of the side otp’s is one of my favourites?
Surely..?
Anyone..?
4/5
It’s Complicated:
this /was/ complicated, damn. This is such a complicated web now, it’s making my head hurt trying to remember which muscular guy is with what other muscular guy.
Although I like the pairing of Max and Ash very much. They indeed just felt natural. Although you don’t need to tell me, author, you need to show me.
I’d truly say that’s what I disliked most about this book, the heaps of tell and in comparison barely any show. The writing is again holding me back from giving this a fully positive review
4/5
Winning You:
This was cute! Luce and Marty were definitely an interesting pairing. I love it when there’s an age gap and the author works with it so well (not in any creepy way, in a healthy, adult way where sometimes people who are ten years apart just match).
And finally, finally(!), we didn’t get two super-duper-riPPLING ABS guys. They were two normal guys who found love. As we know, I love love.
4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
All in all I think I like the story of Max and Ash the best. Maybe I just like their characters very much. Maybe the ship.
Then again, I truly liked all these side relationships, and think I prefer all these three ships over some of the main characters.
Sidenote: Eden Finley seems to be very much a fan of the found-soulmate idea. While I like it, if there’s such a thing as soulmates, I do believe they’re made and not found. It’s sweet nonetheless.
Rebound:
I liked Aron and Wyatt. They were both fun characters and honestly just tried their best. What more can you want?
Surely it’s reasonable that one of the side otp’s is one of my favourites?
Surely..?
Anyone..?
4/5
It’s Complicated:
this /was/ complicated, damn. This is such a complicated web now, it’s making my head hurt trying to remember which muscular guy is with what other muscular guy.
Although I like the pairing of Max and Ash very much. They indeed just felt natural. Although you don’t need to tell me, author, you need to show me.
I’d truly say that’s what I disliked most about this book, the heaps of tell and in comparison barely any show. The writing is again holding me back from giving this a fully positive review
4/5
Winning You:
This was cute! Luce and Marty were definitely an interesting pairing. I love it when there’s an age gap and the author works with it so well (not in any creepy way, in a healthy, adult way where sometimes people who are ten years apart just match).
And finally, finally(!), we didn’t get two super-duper-riPPLING ABS guys. They were two normal guys who found love. As we know, I love love.
4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
All in all I think I like the story of Max and Ash the best. Maybe I just like their characters very much. Maybe the ship.
Then again, I truly liked all these side relationships, and think I prefer all these three ships over some of the main characters.
Sidenote: Eden Finley seems to be very much a fan of the found-soulmate idea. While I like it, if there’s such a thing as soulmates, I do believe they’re made and not found. It’s sweet nonetheless.
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